The Effects Of European Imperialism In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

835 Words2 Pages

When Achebe introduces the Europeans in Things Fall Apart, he does not portray them negatively, nor does he present the arrival of the Europeans as tragic. As a matter of fact, the Africans were intrigued by the Europeans and their ways. However, as the story continues, conflicts arise between the two culture groups. Achebe accurately depicts European Imperialism and its effects on African society throughout the book. Achebe uses the beginning of the book to remind the reader that the Africans were, in fact, people and had a society. He removes any preconceived notion that the Africans were weak, unintelligent, or solely used as property. The first half of the book proves that the Ibo were human beings with a civilization and culture. Several …show more content…

Achebe describes him as stern, manly, and the absolute opposite of his father. Okonkwo selfishly wanted to be looked up to and admired in his community. He never showed emotion, nor did he empathize with his clan. Okonkwo highly resented the European missionaries who came to Umuofia. When Okonkwo returned from exile, he found that the European’s had transformed his village and everything had changed. It became evident to Okonkwo that he would never regain his title in society.
Achebe used Okonkwo’s story to emphasize the negative effects imperialism had on Africa. In Okonkwo’s opinion, the Europeans had taken everything away from him. He could no longer rely on his “manliness” to help him succeed. The severe impacts of imperialism led to a sad ending in which Okonkwo hung himself.
Nwoye, Okonkow’s eldest son, is one of the most significant characters in the book. He constantly tried to gain his father’s acceptance and affection but Okonkwo refused to acknowledge Nwoye’s need for approval. Although Okonkwo eventually begins to care for his son, Nwoye was never happy living in his father’s shadow. He much preferred spending time with his mother listening to her tell stories. When the Europeans began colonizing and converting people, Nwoye became interested in their religion and teachings. Nwoye ultimately converted, much to his father’s disdain. Achebe suggests that Nwoye was finally able to find peace and no longer felt restricted by his father’s oppressive tyranny, thus implying that not all the effects of imperialism were

Open Document